Chelsea have not lost in their 38th consecutive home game in March. Palmer played a big part in this, scoring twice in the 3-2 win over Newcastle
Once again, Mauricio Pochettino had to deliver bad news from the hospital at a press conference: This time he had announced the injuries to Colwill (toe problems) and Chilwell (knee injury) on Thursday. The absence of the duo not only prompted the CFC coach to make personnel changes – Sterling and Cucurella replaced the two defenders from the 2-2 draw at Brentford – but also a tactical one: The Blues operated with a back four instead of a back three.
The visitors also made two changes following their 3-0 win over Wolverhampton. Livramento started against his former club in place of Trippier (calf injury) and Almiron replaced Murphy on the bench.
Jackson gives Chelsea an early lead
Although Chelsea have only won one of their last five league games, one statistic gave the fans hope: the last time the west Londoners lost a home game in the Premier League was in March 2001 (2:4 against Sunderland, followed by 31 wins from 37 games). They got off to a perfect start in their bid to extend the run. Jackson steered Palmer’s long-range shot into the net with his heel (6th). With the 1-0 lead behind them, the home side then dominated proceedings, albeit without really threatening to score.
With Newcastle also failing to get close to goal, there were many signs that Chelsea would take the lead at half-time after a first half that was long lacking in chances. But then the game suddenly gathered pace without Gordon (35), who had previously been substituted due to injury: First Isak scored the equalizer (43), then Jackson was offside when he supposedly scored a brace (45.+1), then Willock missed the double (45.+3) and last but not least Sterling shot into Dubravka’s arms (45.+5).
Palmer for the fifth time with an assist and goal
After the restart, Palmer proved to be even more ruthless. After Almiron had failed to beat Petrovic (47′), the youngster put the ball dryly into the right-hand corner from distance (57′) – his fifth assist and goal of the season in one game. The hosts almost put the game to bed through Sterling during their brief spell of pressure. However, Burn cleared for Dubravka, who was already beaten, just before the goal line (59′).
As time went on, the Magpies naturally increased the risk – and the home side were to take advantage of this. During one of the resulting counter-attacks, Joker Mudryk tunneled Schär, ran past Dubravka and slotted home (76′).
Murphy’s spectacular finish comes too late
But it wasn’t the final goal, as Murphy’s spectacular finish (90′) made for an exciting stoppage time. However, Pochettino’s side survived the six extra minutes unscathed to keep Chelsea unbeaten in their 38th consecutive home game in March.
The win saw the eleventh-placed side from London close the gap to their neighbors in the table to one point. However, Chelsea have also played one game less so far
The Londoners face Leicester City at home in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (1.45pm). In the same round, Newcastle are away to Man City on Saturday evening (6.30pm).
